Alonso's Real Madrid revitalised for a new mission

Record 15-time kings of Europe Real Madrid open their new Champions League campaign tonight against Marseille hoping they now have the coach and squad to reconquer the throne.

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Madrid refreshed their squad this summer with several new signings at a cost of around €170 million and hired former midfielder Xabi Alonso (right) to replace veteran Carlo Ancelotti.

Los Blancos were dismantled 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal in last season's quarterfinals, underlining the need to take a step forward both tactically and in terms of personnel.

With a top-heavy attack as Ancelotti insisted on regularly lining up with a "fantastic four" of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham, Madrid's defence was easily fractured.

Ancelotti could not find the right strategy to protect the team and although Mbappe hit top form in the second half of the season, star power alone was not enough.